Ironing machine



Feb. 23, 1937. w. F. OLIVER 2,071,896

IRONING MACHINE Filed May 28, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNEY Feb. 23, 1937.

w. F. OLIVER 2,071,896

IRONING' MACHINE Filed May 28, 1954 7 sheetsfsheet 2 K INVENToR.

h/QLL @cf/" OL/Vfe A TTORNEY Feb. 23,1937.

224 zzz 'w. F. OLIVER IIRQNING MACHINE Filed vMay 28, 1954 nlllllllll '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 'lll/1111111 l I uu ATTORNEY Feb. 23, 1937. W. F. OLIVER 2,071,896

' IRONING MACHINE Filed May 28, 1934 7 sheets-sheet 5 ZE. ad

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7: zl E. Zij A BY @Mt/ ATTORNEY Feb.- 23, 1937. W, F, @Ln/R 2,071,896

IRONING MACHINE l Filed May 2a, 1934 7 sheets-sheet s IN VEN TOR. WGDLLQcf/.r OUI/fe A TT ORNEY speciilcation, and in which,-

55 tion:

momo moms Wallace F. Oliver, Detroit, Mich., assigner to Hydraulic Brake Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation oi California Application May 2s. '1934, sensi Nc. 'izaori 12 Claims.

an ironing machine including relatively movv able ironing elements one of which is displaceable when the other element isv moved into operative position so as to compensate for variations in the thickness of the work.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine including relatively movable ironing elements one of which is yielding'ly supported by a column oi fluid and maintained at a predetermined position with relation to the other element.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine including relatively movable ironing elements one of which is actuated by a iluid pressure means for creating an ironing pressure between the elements including means for yieldlngly supporting the iiuid actuated element upon a column of iiuid under pressure and means for balancing the pressure on the column of uid.

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide an ironing machine including relatively movable ironing elements one manually movable into operativeposition and means for automatically locking this element in operative position, and the other actuated by iiuid pressure means to create an ironing pressure between the elements,

and manual means for actuating the iiuid pressure means including means ior'unlocking the locking means, and means for returning the manually movable element to inoperative posi.

tion.

Other objects andadvantages oi! the invention will more i'ullyappear from th'e following description` taken in connection with the accompanying' drawings forming a part o! this Figure l is a side elevation, partly in section. of an ironing machine* embodying the inven- (Ci. 38-25) i Figure 2 is a sectional view substantially on line 2 2, Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan port;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the buck support mounted on the reservoir of the pressure producing unit;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of one of the uid pressure operated motors, the buck. and guide means;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the pressure producing device; J l

Figure 7 is an end view of the pressure pro'- ducing device; i

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view substantially online 8-8, Figure 6; y

Figure 9 is a sectional view substantially on line 9 8, Figure 6; v

Figure 10 is a sectional view substantially o line ill-I0, Figure 6; L

view of the buck sup- Figure 11 is a sectional view substantially on y line li--IL Figure 6;

Figure 12 is a. diagrammatical illustration of the electrical heating and lighting circuit for the machine, and

Figure 13-is a diagrammatical illustration of 'the operating means ,for the ironing machine.

Referring to the drawings for more speciilc details 'of the invention, I0 represents a frame having a depression or pan l2 at oneend and a hollow vertical column I4 at its other end. The column extends above and below the i'rame. The upper end of the column has a semi-spherical portion I6, the purpose of which will hereinafter appear, and the lower end oi the column has a reduced portion I8.

A column 20 sleeved on the reduced portion il provides the main. support ior the frame. and

legs 22 suitably secured to the frame cooperate with the column in supporting the frame. A top 24 supported on the frame has an opening receivlng the column Il, a centrally disposed upwardly extending viIrusto--conical open at its top as indicated at 28, and an apro concealing the frame.

A pressure producing device 32 mounted in the pan I2 includes a reservoir 34 having a ilange Il.

portion 26 on the wall thereof. A reciprocable piston Il in the reservoir is retained against displacement by a washer l0 seatedI one shoulder in the wall o! the reservoir, and a transversely split ring I2 seated in a'circumferential groove in the wall of the reservoir retains the washer against displacement. The piston 38 includes a concentric sleeve I4 having anextended portion provlded'with a Iii)l circumferential flange 46, and a leak-proof cup 48 on the head of the piston is held against displacement by the ange.

A hollow rod 50 has one of its ends threaded in the sleeve 44, and its other end extends through the washer 40. A plug 52 Vis fitted in the outer end of the rod, and a spring 54 interposed between the piston and the washer 40 urges the piston toward the bottom of the reservoir.l The rod has a flat 56 for the reception of a tool for holding the piston in retracted position. Upon retracting the piston and removing the plug the reservoir may be filled through the rod.

A compression cylinder 58 and a valve chamber 60 are formed at the bottom yof the reservoir in parallel relation to one another and normal to the reservoir. The compression cylinder has a low pressure chamber 62 and a high pressure chamber 64. The low pressure chamber has ports 66 and 68 communicating with the reservoir, and the high pressure chamber has a discharge port 10. A reciprocable piston 12 in the chambers 62 and 64 is retained against displacement by a transversely split ring 14 seated in a circumferential groove in the wall of the low pressure chamber.

As shown, the piston 12 has heads 16 and 18 spaced apart by a sleeve 80. The head 16 is tted in the chamber 62 and the head 18 is itted in the chamber 64. The piston has a skirt of reduced cross-section providing in conjunction with the wall of the cylinder 62 an annular chamber 82 communicating by way of the port 66 with the reservoir 34, and a leak-proof cup 84 is fitted between circumferential ilanges 86 on the skirt of the piston. Y

The head 16 of the piston has a plurality of ports or passages 88 providing communications between the annular chamber 82 and that portion of the cylinder forward of the head 16. A collapsible leak-proof cup 90 loosely tted in a circumferential groove in the wall of the piston checks the flow of fluid through the port 86 on the compression stroke of the piston. This cup is normally held on its seat by a relatively light spring 92 interposed between the cup and an annular stop 94. A plug 96 threaded in the skirt of the piston provides in conjunction with the skirt a chamber 98 having a port |00 communieating with the annular chamber 82 and a plurality of ports |02 providing communications between the chamber 98 and that portion of the cylinder forward of the head 16.

The head 18 of the piston has a plurality of ports |04 providing communications between the chambers 62 and 64, and a collapsible leak-proof cup |06 seated in a circlunferential groove is adapted to check the ilow of fluid through the ports |04 on the compression stroke of the piston, and a spring |08 interposed between the cup |06 and the head of the cylinder servesto return the piston to its retracted position.

The sleeve extends beyond the head 18, and is closed as by a plug ||0 having a plurality of ports |12 adapted to restrict the ilow of iluid from the chamber 64 into the sleeve. A reciprocable I piston |4 in the sleeve 80 has connected thereto a valve ||6 urged by a spring ||8 interposed between the valve andthe plug 96 to seat on a washer |20 and to close the passages |02. Seated,

on the head of the piston |4 is a leak-proof cup l|22 held against displacement by an elongated vnut |24 threadedon the yrod of the piston.

The plug 96 threaded in the skirt o1' the piston has a recess |26 receiving one end of a thrust rod |28, the other end of which is received by a cup |30 on an arm |32 keyed or otherwise secured to a shaft |34 journaled in a bearing |36 on the frame I0. An operating lever |38 is suitably secured to the shaft and an extension |40 adjustably attached to the operating lever has a hand grip or knob |42 secured to its free end. By applying force to the lever, the shaft may be moved through an angle and this movement is transmitted through the arm |32 and thrust rod |28 to the piston to move the piston on its compression stroke. v

The valve chamber 60 has a port |44 providing a communication between the chamber and the reservoir 34, and a port |46 for return of fluid from the system to thechamber. One end of the chamber is closed as by .a plug |48 and a valve cage |50 is threaded in the other end'of the chamber. The valve cage has a portion reduced in cross-section providing in conjunction with the wall of the chamber an annular chamber |52 in direct communication with the port |44 and a plurality of ports |54 providing communication between the chamber |52 and the interior of the valve cage.

The head of the valve cage -is fitted snugly in the chamber 68 and is provided with a concentric port |56. A leak-proof cup |58 is seated on the head of the valve cage and is held against displacement by a spring |60 interposed between the cup and the plug |48. The cup has a concentric opening |62 of a smaller diameter than the port |56 so that the inner perimeter of the cup deilning the opening |62 overhangs the port.

A reciprocable valve |64 in the cage has a shoulder |66 normally abutting a shoulder in the cage and a concentric portion |68 adapted to enter the port |56 and to engage the overhanging portion of the cup to effectively seal the port. A hollow plug |10 threaded in the outer end of the cage receives the stem |12 of the valve |64, and a washer |14 seated on the plug supports a leak-proof cup |16 having an opening receiving'the stem of the valve. The stem of the valve is preferably made in two parts threaded together with a washer |18 interposed.

A compression spring |80 is sleeved on the stem of the valve between the washer and the head of the plug |10. By adjusting the plug |10 the tension on the spring may be regulated. The head of the plug |10 has a plurality of notches |182 adapted to receive a spring-pressed stop |84 for locking the plug in adjusted position. The valve is actuated by a lever |86 secured to the shaft |34. As shown, the lever has a bifurcated end straddling the stem of the valve and adapted to engage an adjustable stop |88 on the stern.

A buck support |90 mounted on the flanges on the reservoir includes an elongated receptacle having its edges rolled to lend strength and rigidity to the structure. Cylinders |92 and |94 are mounted in the respective ends of the receptacle.

pose of which will hereinafter appear. These y cylinders are connected respectively by conduits The cylinders have formed thereon; oppositely disposed guides |96 and |98, the pur- Reciprocable pistons 2|2 in the cylinders |92 x and |94 have on their respective heads concentric extension 2|4 provided with diametral passages communicating with axial passages through the pistons. Leak-proof cups 2|6 are seated on the heads of the pistons and are retained against displacement by the extensions 2I4, and bleeder screws 2|8 threaded in the axial ports in the pistons are enclosed by caps 220.

A buck 222 having upon its ironing face a pad 224 over which is spread a suitable cover 226 has on its back case-hardened inserts 228 in engagement with the caps 220, and sleeves 230 received by the guides |96 and |98 on the cylinders. The sleeves have therein rods 232 having heads 234, and compression springs 236 sleeved on the rods between the heads on the rods and retaining rings 238 tted in circumferential grooves in the walls of the sleeves.- The rods extend through openings in the bottom of the receptacle and have stops 240 threaded thereon. f An ironing head 242 adaptable for cooperatio with the buck'is pivotally connected to corresponding oppositely disposed horns 244 formed on a hollow arm 246 having a flared end 248 telescoping the semi-spherical portion I6 on the column |4 and an internal web 250 having a lateral arm 252,-which is in effect an extension of the arm 246-pivoted to the semi-spherical portion and extending Abeyond the pivot downwardly into the column I4. A rod 254 attached to the arm between the horns has a hand grip or knob 256 secured to its free end for lowering the head into operative position.

A bell crank lever 258 has its knee pivoted to a bracket on the frame. One leg 260 of this lever l' is connected by a link 262 to the arm 252. The leg 260 and the link 262 provide a toggle limited in its movement by a stop 264. 'I'he other leg 266 of the bell crank lever is connected by a. spring 268 to the frame and by an adjustable rod 210 to an arm 212 loosely mounted on the shaft |34. The bell crank lever 258 has a cam surface 214 adaptable for engagement with a plunger 216 actuated by a cam 218 on the arm |32. This arm also has a driver 280 adapted to engage and actuate the arm 212. The arm 252 is raised to an elevated position by springs 282 connected between the arm 252 and the frame with an adjustable member 284 interposed for regulating the tension on the springs.

A fluid pressure switch 286 is connected to the coupling 204. This switch is connected in a circuit 288 including a lamp 290 housed in the arm 246 back of an opening having therein a colored glass 292. The circuit 288 is tapped off of a circuit 294 including a heating 'element 296 suitably arranged inthe head 242 and a rheostat 298.-` The circuit 294 may be connected to any suitable source of electrical supply.

Assuming that the fluid pressure operating system is filled with suitable fluid, that the circuit 294 is connected to a suitable source of electrical supply, and that the head of the machine is in elevated position, under these conditions the buck 222`is yieldingly supported on two columns of iluid under pressure introduced in the reservoir 34 by the spring-actuated piston 38. This pressure is balanced by the springs 236 connected between the buck and the buck support to maintain the buck in a predetermined position to which position the buck is automatically returned at the end of each operation of the machine'.

After placing the work on the buck, the head 242 is manually moved into operative position,

where it is automatically locked by the toggle connected between the arm 252 and the frame of the machine. If the article on which work is to be performed is thinner than the predetermined space between the buckand head, there will be no movement of the buck. However, if the article on which work is to be performed-is relatively thick, the buck is proportionately displaced, resulting in movementof the piston 2|2 and displacement of fluid from the motors |92 and |94 back into thereservoir 34.

As the head 242 is moved into operative position, the extension 252 of the arm supporting the head is moved through an angle againstthe resistance of the springs '282. This movement of the head aided by the spring 268 moves the toggle to over central position, and when the vtoggle assumes this position it is automatically locked against movement.

With the work upon the buck 222 and the head 242 lowered into operative position, the operator applies force to the hand grip |42 to depress the lever |38. This results in rotation of the shaft h |34 through an angle and this movement of the shaft is transmitted through the arm |32 on the shaft and thrust pin |28 to the piston 12 to move the piston on its compression stroke.

During the initial movementof the piston 12 on itsv4 compression stroke, the leak-proof cup 90 on the head 16 of the piston covers the portl 68 and the fluid in the low pressure chamber 62 is displaced through the ports |04 in the head 18, past the leak-proof cup |06 into the high pressure chamber 64, thence through port 10, past valve 210, through conduit 206, coupling 204 and conduits 200 and 202 into the motor cylinders |92 and |94, resulting in actuating the pistons 2|2 to move thel buck 222 against thehead 242. This movement `of the buck is accomplished by the displacement of fluid due to initial movement of the piston 12 and further movement of the piston creates suicient pressure to effectively iron the work.

This movement of the buck is against the resistance ofthe springs 236 and results in compressing the springs between the retaining rings 238 in the sleeves 230 and the heads 234 on the rods 232. Upon obtaining a predetermined pressure in the system, the piston I|4 is actuated by iluid under pressure in the high pressure chamber 64 to trip the valve I6 and thus 'render the head 16 ineffective for producing pressure, the fluid between the heads 16 and 18 being returned to the reservoir through ports |02, chamber 98, port |00,

chamber 82 and passage 66, as the piston proceeds on its compression stroke. Because of the restricted flow of fluid from the' chamber 64 into the sleeve 80, sudden movement of the piston 12 will not cause actuation of the valve ||6. When the pressure between the ironing elements reaches a predetermined degree, the iluid under pressure in the system actuates the switch 286 to close the circuit 288 and thereby light the lamp 290, thus giving a visular indication that the required pressure has been introduced between the ironing elements. Upon release of the applied force, the valve 2|0 closes to maintain pressure at the required degree'.

After maintaining the pressure between the ironing elements for a suicient period of time to effectively iron the work, the operator raises the lever |40. the shaft |34 and arm |32 carried thereby,.whereupon thepiston is returned to its ynormal retracted position under the influence of spring |08.

This movement is transmitted to the cylinder during the retraction stroke of the piston is returned through the port 68 to the reservoir.

-Upon movement of the operating lever in reverse direction, the shaft |34 is rotated through an angle and this movement is transmitted to the arm |86, resulting in tripping the valve |64 and opening the port |56. Upon opening this port pressure is released in the motors |92 and |94, resulting in movement of the buck to its normal position and return of iluid from the motor cylinders through conduits 200 and 202, coupling 204, con-duit 208 to Valve chamber 60, thence through port |54, chamber |52, and port |44 tothe reservoir.

Further movement of the shaft in the same direction rocks the arm |32, causing thecam 218 thereon to travel beneath the spring-pressed plunger 216, and simultaneously therewith the driver 280 on the arm |32 engages and actuates the lever 212. This movement of the lever 212 is transmitted through the rod 210 to the toggle to move the toggle past dead center, and upon movement of the toggle past dead center the springs 282 function to automatically raise the head to the elevated position. l When the head is in elevated position, the cam surface 214 engages the plunger 216 and locks the operating mechanism for the fluid pressure means.

Because of the initial pressure in the system, the buck 222 when in normal position 'is supporte-d on two columns of fluid. It is highly desirable that the buck should be supported in a predetermined position so that the normal relation of the buck to the head may be maintained constant when the head is in operative position. Hence, it is essential that means be provided for normally balancing the initial pressure in the system, and to that end springs 236 of a calculated tension are connected between the buck and the buck support.

This invention has been described in connection with certain specific embodiments. The principles involved are susceptible of numerous other applications that will readily occur to persons skilled in the art. The invention is, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An ironing machine comprising relatively movable ironing elements, means supporting one of the elements for movement intoand from operative position, means for locking this element in operative position, hydraulic means supporting the other element including a column of fluid displaceable upon movement of the first-mentioned element into operative'postion, means imposing an initial pressure on the fluid, means balancing the initial pressure on the uid and means for actuating the hydraulic means to create an ironing pressure between the elements.

2. An ironing machine comprising relatively movable ironing elements, means for supporting one of the elements for movement into and from operative position, means for locking this of the elements for movement into and from operative position, means for locking this element in operative position, a hydraulic system for actuating the other element including a column of fluid for supporting the element in spaced relation to the first-mentioned element when moved into operative position, and means for actuating the hydraulic means including means for closing the space between the elements upon initial movement of the hydraulic means to create an ironing pressure between the elements.

4. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, means for supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, means for locking the head in operative position, hydraulic means for supporting the buckincluding a column of fluid, means for retaining the fluid under pressure, means acting on the buck for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the fluid to maintain the buck in a predetermined position from which it may be displaced by movement of the first-mentioned ironing element into operative position, said hydraulic means operable rst to create an initial pressure between the buck and the head and then tocreate an ironing pressure between the elements.

5. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, hydraulic means for actuating the buck including fluid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device' connected to the fluid pressure actuated means, a reservoir for supplying uid to the device, means in the reservoir for maintaining an initial pressure on the fluid in the uid pressure actuated means, and means for actuating the device.

6. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, hydraulic means for actuating the buck including fluid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected to the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder', a piston reciprocable in the cylinder, a reservoir communicating with the cylinder, a spring-pressed plunger in the reservoir imposing an initial pressure on the fluid in the uid pressure actuated means, and means for actuating the device.

7. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, hydraulic means for actuating the buck including fluid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected to the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder, a piston movable therein for producing pressure, a reservoir communicating with the cylinder, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir imposing an initial pressure on the fluid in the cylinder, means for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure imposed by the spring-pressed piston to maintain the buck in a predetermined position, and means for actuating the device.

8. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, means supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, means for retaining the head in operative position, hydraulic means for actuating the buck including fluid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected t0 the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder, a piston movable therein for producing pressure, a reservoir communicating withv the cylinder, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir, and means acting on the buck for balancing at a predetermined pressure the' pressure on the piston in the reservoir to maintain the buck in spaced relation to the head when the head is in operative position.

9.' An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, means for supporting the' head for movement into and from operative position, means forlocking the-head in operative position, hydraulic means for actuating thev buck including fluid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device con nected to the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder, a piston movable therein capable of producing pressure, a reservoir communicating with the cylinder, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir, means acting on the buckk for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the piston in the reservoir to maintain the buck in a predetermined position, means for actuating the device iirst to impart an initial movement to the buck and then vto create an ironing pressure between the head and the buck, and nieans for locking the actuating means when the ironing elements are in operative position.

10. An ironing machine comprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck, means supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a spring-actuated toggle for locking the head in operative position, hydraulic means for actuating the buck including fluid pressure actuated means-operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected to the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder, a piston reciprocable therein, means for retaining operating pressure, a reservoir for supplying uid to the device, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir, means acting on the buck for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the fluid,

rmeans for actuating the piston, and means for locking the actuating means when the head and the buck are in operative position.

11. An ironing machinecomprising cooperative ironing elements including a head and a buck,` means supporting the head for movement into and from operative position, a spring-actuated toggle for locking the head in operative position, means effective upon tripping the toggle to return the head to inoperative position, a hydraulic system 4for actuating the buck including iiuid pressure actuated means operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected to the fluid pressure actuated means including a cylinder, a piston reciprocable therein for producing pressure, valves for maintaining operative pressure, a reservoir for supplying fluid to the device, a spring-pressed piston in the reservoir, means acting on the buck for balancing at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the uid in the system, means for actuating the pistons. and means lfor locking the actuating means when the head and buck are in operative position.

12. In an ironing machine, a frame. a movable head and a movable buck mounted on the frame, 'means enabling the movement of the head to a position close to but out of contact with the buck, means for locking the head in this position, hydraulic means for forcing the `buck against the head when the head is close to the buck comprising a iiuid operated motor operatively connected to the buck, a pressure producing device connected to the motor for supplying fluid thereto and a reservoir connected to the device for supplying uid to the device, means for.y controlling the flow of fluid between the motor and the reservoir, means for normally yieldingly maintaining the buck at a predetermined elevation with reference to the frame comprising means operative to exert pressure upon the huid in the'reservoir and thereby upon the fluid in the motor, and means acting on the bucle to balance at a predetermined pressure the pressure on the uid in the motor and reservoir.

WALLACE F. OLIVER. 

